I feel like I'm supposed to like NOMOS... I don't really like NOMOS... this one doesn't change that.

I feel bad honestly for saying it, but I don't really like NOMOS watches. I feel like they're pretty boring, and the new Club 38 ruthenium doesn't change that for me. I can look at it on its own, in a vacuum, and say it's cool. When I start thinking about wearing one or paying for one, especially, I just can't see it.

That's a weird thing to say because I don't have an issue with simple watches. I love the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto, and there are plenty of other simple watches I like. So I don't think the amount of stuff on the dial explains it. A watch doesn't need a complication or a bunch of extra details to get me interested.

Maybe it's just the NOMOS design language that doesn't sit with me. Or maybe I don't think it would look good on me in particular. I don't really have a more satisfying explanation than that. Looking at the Club's numerals, broad hands and little seconds dial, I can see the design they're going for, but I still don't find myself wanting it.

What changed with the Club 38

There is more to this release than another color in the Club family. NOMOS announced the Club 38 pair on October 22, 2026, and the classic hand-wound Club moves from 36 mm to 38.5 mm. There is a white-dial version alongside this ruthenium model. The darker one has an anthracite dial, white hour markers outlined in yellow and orange minute-track accents.

The sapphire-back version here, reference 770.GB, measures 8.5 mm thick and 46.7 mm lug to lug. It has a steel case, domed sapphire crystal, a 10 atm water-resistance rating and a black Horween Shell Cordovan strap with brown stitching. The strap width is 20 mm.

Inside is the hand-wound DUW 4001, developed and manufactured by NOMOS in Glashütte, with up to 53 hours of power reserve. I love that they do so much in-house, and I love Glashütte watchmaking. The movement is absolutely part of why I feel like I should be more into the brand than I am.

What I'd be paying

As checked on October 26, 2026, NOMOS's US store lists this sapphire-back configuration at $2,360, including duties, with local tax potentially added at checkout. The displayed delivery estimate is three weeks. Those figures apply to this configuration; the steel-back model has its own price.

Maybe I like NOMOS for other people. If you already love the Club's design and wanted this size, there is a reason to look at this release. For me, even with the in-house movement and the darker dial, I still can't picture spending the money to put one on my wrist.

75/120 bezel clicks. These are first impressions from the release material and photographs.